Who: Tom and Rex What: Catching up Where:New York City, near a Subway stop stairs When: February 4, mid-late morning [backdated] Rating: G Status: Complete
Thomas was often dubbed “Hermit”. “Workaholic”, “Dr. Cold-Stare” at his job as a pharmacist and out-patient clinic doctor. So as he stepped inside NY Presbyterian - Brooklyn, there were subtle looks and hushed whispers. Returning from being with his eighty-five year old mother during her final hours and burying her, one would not just go into work like they’d just been gone for a month to the Bahamas. Thomas shifted the strap of his dark blue messenger bag as he made his way into the pharmacy department and to his small desk.
He nearly always wore black aside from his white lab coat, so he was inconspicuous for the most part. Thomas listened to his voicemails, read his emails, and sent replies to those who were the most immediate. He spoke to his boss and agreed upon coming in mornings this week.
The mutant, gay man, Army veteran, and doctor soon was stepping into the light off day after ascending a subway stairwell when he caught sight a familiar light-haired man.
——-
Rex did not mind, at all, the subway or transit in New York. It was much easier on his patience to navigate through idle conversation than it was through the traffic. Any opportunity he had to take the subway, the bus, Lyft, he would take it with much higher and realistic hopes of making it to where his intended destination was. Walking was not beyond him, either. Whatever it took to get him from point A to point B in a timely manner qualified. Today was no different at all.
There was nothing small about Rex in any sense of the word. From his height, to his rippling muscles, and even his personality he was a booming tower of gigantic. Often this posed problems when he was desperate enough for a lead that he went incognito as uniforms were not tailored to accommodate his bulging physique. He was not ashamed of his size in any capacity though he knew it was a challenge not to stand out.
Away from the subway stairwell stood Rex. He was reading an article on his phone a ways away from where the crowd would erupt from when the train let out.
To his surprise a familiar scent caught his attention and drew him from the browsing he had been doing. Rex lifted his head and twisted some to survey the people leaving the chasm of stairs which lead to and from the underground transit system. It was there his sharp eyes spotted an old friend and once his phone had been tucked securely away into a jacket pocket Rex wasted no time bounding over to the other man.
“Thomas!” He boomed with excitement, hand lifting in a wave. “My friend! I am delighted to see you, what a coincidence!” The distance between them was closed and before Thomas could react or protest, or really say ugh of anything, Rex was sweeping the man up off of his feet in a bear type of hug that was gentle enough to break away from but firm enough to get the point across. WIth delight Rex purred into his friend’s ear before setting Thomas back down onto his feet and pulling back. Radiant was his smile, enough to melt the very snow.
“How have you been! It is so wonderful to see you!”
—
Thomas was mindful of where he was going, but it was evident on his usual poker face (aside from grumpy) that he was quasi-lost in thoughts. With his hands grasping the strap of his messenger bag, he blinked at the sound of someone calling his name. Then came the wall of warm, protective, muscular, largest bear of a hug. His right hand released his bag and splayed out to make contact with Rex’s jacket as his face met chest.
It took a moment or two where the older man was a bit surprised and thankful for such a display. The purring nearly made that cold facade melt. Then next thing Thomas knew, he was standing on solid ground again. Blinking, he managed the smallest of smiles as he looked up at Rex.
“....well, Hello.” Thomas nodded, his hand remaining in the air for a moment and then pulling away to return to the strap of his messenger back. It was hard not to smile with that bursting amount of cheerfulness coming from the larger man. “Thank you. I have been. How are you, Rex?”
---
He knew that he could be overbearing in some instances - his venture into personal space had been commented on by colleagues and strangers time and time again - and while he tried his best to be considerate of personal space there were times he couldn’t help himself. Always friendly and with nothing invasive truly in mind, Rex was personable. He loved hugs. Hugging was one of his many favorite things to do because it gave off the impression of glad tidings and friendliness. Plus someone like Thomas always appeared to be in need of a bit of cheer.
“I am doing well!” It was nothing less than the truth. Between his recent engagement to his partner and how well leads were pouring in he would be lying if he wasn’t upfront about the fortune he’d been experiencing.
As the world was often divided that was no less true these days. He found no ebbing of leads or situations which warranted exploration though he wanted more of the stories that highlighted mutant success rather than just politics.
“Things have been a bit crazy lately with potential stories, but overall work has been exciting. We should plan to have dinner soon, if that suits you! I would love for you to meet Kyle again.” It had been many moons since they had all three been together for a meal which was unacceptable. Rex loved to cook; while he was no Guy Fieri in the kitchen he knew his way around well enough to put something delicious together and entertaining was a highlight to look forward to.
Of course he would never impose. He understood people were busy and had lives outside of letting him mother them for a while. His friend just always seemed so lonesome it was challenging to just not put Thomas into his pocket and whisk him away.
—
Thomas usually kept everyone at arms’ length unless the situation called for closer proximity - most likely with work than his personal life. His habit of being closed off was broke only during social gatherings made routine. The older man’s trust issues had him at a bit of disadvantage. One of these days, he’d let loose for more than a little while.
“We should! Yes, how is Kyle? Treating you well it seems.” Thomas smiled softly. He deep down loved that the big cat of a man had someone. But it also pained him a bit.
---
Upon acceptance of the offer Rex was literally radiant! Had his tail been visible it would have swished with delight from side to side. Friends were the backbone of happiness; self-love was the core but who you put yourself around impacted your well-being and peace of mind just as much as it did everything else. He was fortunate to have such good friends and colleagues, blessed he would say. Each evening his prayers were extended with each new friend he had to be thankful for (sometimes it got a bit too lengthy and he had to compensate). He also wished that everyone else could be as fortunate as he was though he didn’t brag about the things he had.
“Very well! He is doing well at work, and we have recently become engaged,” He mentioned, showing Thomas the ring that Kyle had given him, the circle of wood and metal which had been bestowed upon him. Rex wore it on a chain around his neck to prevent losing it if he found himself shifting suddenly or unexpectedly.
His blue eyes were illuminated with the struggle of sunlight desperate to penetrate the murky overhead canopy of clouds but at least it wasn’t snowing just then.
A small, gentle, pat on the shoulder would follow. “How fortunate I am that the day has brought us together.”
—
Thomas kept to a small circle of friends, selectively opening up a little bit to each one but not letting the floodgates open completely. At times, he could be quasi-normal outside of his numerous responsibilities and hobbies to occupy the rest of the time.
“Really?” Tom asked, his eyebrows rising and he cocked his head slightly to one side. Smiling brightly at such wondrous news, he looked at the ring. “It’s beautiful. Congratulations! I’m happy for you both.” The happiness coming off the older man was rare, but maybe it was the company and cheerful news.
Gently he reached up to briefly place a usually cold hand over Rex’s. “Likewise.” For a moment he was silent and then he blinked. “What are you up to? I hope I’m not keeping you from your stories.”
---
“Thank you!”
The circle was precious, a mixture of metal and red wood. Kyle had done the exact same thing he had, scoured the planet for the perfect infinite binding to bestow upon his lover. They’d proposed to each other on exactly the same night, which was uncanny in a sense, but perfect nonetheless.
“We haven’t yet made any official plans however I will let you know if anything should arise!” He doubted Thomas would be getting hitched any time soon which made him sad but life had its ways of surprising you when you least expected it. He would remain hopeful for his friend.
Rex ran hot, it was a trait of his strand of mutation so the coolness of the weather and Tom’s skin did not phase him the way it might have another.
With the shake of his head, Rex beamed. “No! You are not keeping me at all! You have to make time for the things which are important to you,” he explained, pulling his large hand back. “I was just texting a colleague about a lead for a story. It can wait a little bit. What of you?”
—
“You’re welcome.”
Thomas loved the ring. He hadn’t seen one comprised of mixed materials. One day he’d like to hear the story of their engagement. But perhaps it will come up during their wedding or reception.
“I would love that, Rex.” he smiled. Maybe he would be able to open up one day and be able to someone as Rex and Kyle have. But Thomas had his doubts.
Letting his hand fall away, he nodded. “Okay, good. I’m running a few errands - groceries, curiosities. I’ve been out of town for a bit.” Thomas half-sighed. There was comfort in routine, and distraction in things that required detail - piano-playing, cooking, grocery-shopping.
---
It thrilled him to his core that Thomas agreed to be at least on the guest list when he and Kyle did decide to start planning and finalizing things. For now he was content just being noticed by his partner and he had been utterly humbled by the proposal. They’d been married a long time in his heart but now it seemed they’d reached the point of taking that next step together legally.
“As would I!” The warmth and radiance showed.
He listened, head tilted to soak in all of what Thomas had been saying. Daily duties that could seem minimal, such as errands, but meant a great deal. “Ah, well, I am glad to see that you’ve made it back in one piece.”
Rex would not pry, he could pick up on the changes of moods quite easily so the sense that something was awry with his friend was not lost upon him and it weighed on his heart though he said nothing about it.
—
Tom was still without someone. He wasn’t able to maintain a romantic relationship for more that a few months. Perhaps that would change someday. But he wasn’t terribly concerned with it. He didn’t believe that phrase about when one wasn’t looking, they’d find someone. Tom often made sure work and his hobbies occupied his life.
“Me too,” Tom nodded. Being back in the city made falling into routine easier. Then he sighed. “I have a couple of recipes that you may like if we do a potluck dinner,” he offered. It was better to focus on hobbies or interests than relationships.
It was good to see and speak with Rex. Tom was happy for him and Kyle. Sometimes it was good to smile and forget about the frustrations of the day.